Light rain fell around the region early Wednesday morning and a forecaster said to expect “howling” winds in the mountains and deserts later in the day.

“There’s a big area of low pressure that has moved into the west. Most of the energy is to the north, but that’s causing our marine layer to deepen up,” said National Weather Service meteorologist Steve Vanderburg.

He said the rain should "be out of our hair" by the afternoon.

A high wind warning was issued for San Diego County’s deserts from 10 a.m. until 6 a.m. Thursday. Gusts of up to 55 mph in the afternoon and up to 60 mph in the evening are expected. Motorists, particularly those in high-profile vehicles, are advised to watch for blowing dust and sand in desert areas.

“The winds will be howling in the mountains and the deserts, especially this afternoon and evening,” Vanderburg said.

By Thursday, there’s a slight chance of rain near the mountains, Vanderburg said, but “for folks along the coast or in the valleys it probably will be dry.”

The California Highway Patrol reported 16 accidents on local freeways between midnight and 7 a.m., including nine between 6 a.m. and 7 a.m.